I have only 1 day to spend at a museum in Normandy near the D Day sites. I had a relative that served on Day Plus One with the 29th Infantry Division. I would like to go to a museum that focuses on the personal stories and experiences of the participants in the Invasion, and especially any of those who served with the 29th Infantry Division, rather than a museum that focuses more on just the military movements of the Invasion, if that makes sense. Which museum would be best to accomplish my goals?
Posted by
3252 posts
This link may be helpful:
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1142 posts
That's a tough one. I don't' know of any museum that specifically focuses on the 29th (although there should be one IMHO). My favorite museums in the area focuses on the whole of the battle, and include the Utah Beach Museum (the best, but more focused on the U.S. Operations), and the Bayeux Museum (good overview of all beaches). Ones to avoid in my opinion are the Omaha Beach Museum, and in your case, museums that are otherwise excellent, but specifically focus on other units' operations (Pegasus Bridge, Juno Beach Museum, etc.).
I will only add that I hope you have many, many more days in the area to spend seeing actual sights other than the one you want to use in a museum. Museums are great if you have a lot of time, but you can learn most of what they have to offer on the Internet from the comfort of your own home. What you can't do from home is see the actual sights—including Omaha Beach where the 29th Division actually landed. Don't fly half-way around to world and miss many moving and timeless sights there because you were staring at displays in a museum. But do learn what you can from home ahead of time, so the limited time you have there will be more rewarding.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7327 posts
While the French are visibly grateful to the US and other allies, you may be looking for something that is easier to find somewhere in the US.
Please think again about what Phil wrote.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13978 posts
I agree with Phil. Use your time in Normandy seeing the outdoor sights. See museums elsewhere.
I'd also suggest using a tour guide for that day and tell them ahead of time you are interested in the 29th. Many times they can show you some specifics of where different groups were.